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Lake Balqash
Astana
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN
UZBEKISTAN
TURKMENISTAN
KYRGYZSTAN
CHINA
Tashkent
Bishkek
Baku
Aral
Sea
Calving grounds
Saiga seasonal location
Summer
Winter
Note: Dots on the map represent
sightings of saiga, 1970-2008
Saiga antelope locations in Kazakhstan (1970 - 2008)
Source: Institute of Zoology, Kazakhstan; Singh
et al.,Tracking greenery across a latitudinal gradient in central Asia
, 2010.
currently on the rise in the Betpak-dala population, directly targeting
the horn for export to South-East Asia. Saiga populations are also
affected by pasture degradation, disturbance, competition with
livestock (especially in Mongolia) and the construction of barriers.
Climate change is likely to become a significant threat in the future.
Opportunities for ecological networks
The Medium-Term International Work Programme (2011–2015)
under the Saiga MoU provides the building blocks for a functioning
ecological network for Saiga Antelopes, starting withmonitoring and
identification of critical sites through to protected area designation
and transboundary patrolling. The calving and rutting areas are
particularly sensitive and need protection from disturbance, which
could also be provided through seasonal protected areas. The full
participation of local communities and creation of socio-economic
incentives provide the backbone of the Work Programme.
Figure 12:
Saiga antelope locations in Kazakhstan
.